A school has dismissed rumours it is closing and has appealed for parents not to send their children elsewhere.

Laleham Lea preparatory school in Croydon made the appeal after another school printed an advert incorrectly stating it was closing.

The advert invited concerned parents at Laleham Lea to send their children to their school.

But deputy headteacher Paul Hanley this week said the reports were untrue.

He said there were some difficulties last year but the school remained viable to stay open.

He said: “We did have some difficulties prior to Christmas and while we put a plan together speculation began that the school would close.

“There was a perioud of uncertainty, but we’re now on a sound footing and looking forward to the future.

“The board of governors will cease to exist and we have a new mandate for running the school.

“I would like the public to ignore the gossip.’’